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Equine Endocrine Disease: Challenges With Case Definition for Research
Catherine M McGowan1, Joanne L Ireland1
1School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection, Ecological and Veterinary Sciences, the University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
|May 26, 2023
Summary
Defining research cases for equine endocrine diseases like pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and equine metabolic syndrome is crucial. This review evaluates diagnostic methods for accurate research case definitions in horses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Equine endocrine diseases require precise case definitions for research.
- Current diagnostic criteria for clinical diagnosis are evolving, posing challenges for researchers.
- Distinguishing research case definitions from clinical diagnostic criteria is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diagnostic methods for major equine endocrine diseases.
- To identify the most appropriate diagnostic approaches for research case definitions.
- To discuss the merits of various diagnostic methods for research inclusion/exclusion criteria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of diagnostic strategies for equine endocrine diseases.
- Analysis of diagnostic methods including reference intervals and clinical decision limits.
- Focus on pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, equine metabolic syndrome, and insulin dysregulation.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic methods vary in their suitability for research case definitions.
- Reference intervals and clinical decision limits offer different advantages for research.
- The review synthesizes information on the best diagnostic practices for equine endocrine research.
Conclusions:
- Establishing clear, research-specific case definitions is vital for equine endocrine disease studies.
- Careful selection of diagnostic methods ensures accurate case identification in research.
- This review provides guidance for standardizing research definitions in equine endocrinology.
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